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arc welding rods

I'm a total novice at stick welding, but one thing I've noticed is that some rods word better than others. For example, I have these very old Craftsman 7014 Contact rods (looks like they were manufactured in the ,70's based on the package printing) that were never sealed in a air-tight container and weld perfectly. Arc starts just by tapping the metal and if I lift the rod off the workpiece, it seems I never loose the arc. On the other hand, I have new contact rods that are hard to start and leave a horrible weld bead - and I keep these rods in a sealed container with dessicant! I thought specs are specs. If it's a 7014, then it must be 7014, but anyone know why there are differences among manufacturers?

Even with my new 6011's. Hard to start and even harder to maintain the arc. I always end up using the old 7014 Craftsman rods because they work. Too bad I only have like 4 rods left.

It's an AC welder.. I realize I'm a novice, but why does it seem these Craftsman rods outperform all the others?

Some rods weld different than others. I would try some Hobart 7014 and see how those work. 7014 works AC or DC with either polarity. So make sure your cables are hooked up the same each time because 7014 will weld anyway you hook them up. Either electrode positive or neg it will weld...Bob